The UK civil service is under fire after a senior official, meant to remain politically neutral, appeared to lavish praise on Nicola Sturgeon just as the former First Minister prepares to release her £300,000 memoirs. The remarks, seen by critics as unprofessional and overly admiring, have sparked renewed debate about the role of civil servants and the increasingly blurred lines between public service and political favoritism.
What Happened?
David Rogers, a long-serving senior civil servant, publicly applauded Sturgeon’s leadership and “visionary qualities” in a speech at a recent policy event in Edinburgh. Though not officially endorsing her memoir, the timing—just weeks before the highly anticipated release—has raised eyebrows among opposition MPs and government watchdogs alike.
Many view Rogers’ comments as undermining the impartiality expected of someone in his position. “It’s completely inappropriate,” one senior Conservative MP told reporters. “Public servants are not supposed to act like political cheerleaders.”
£300,000 Memoirs Add Fuel to the Fire
Nicola Sturgeon’s upcoming memoir, reportedly fetching an advance close to £300,000, is already stirring controversy. The book is expected to detail her time as First Minister, including her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit fallout, and the ongoing debate over Scottish independence.
The civil service’s apparent soft touch, just as Sturgeon reenters the public narrative with her book, hasn’t gone unnoticed. Critics argue that such behavior erodes trust in institutions meant to serve all citizens, not align themselves with individual politicians—particularly not at such sensitive political junctures.
Civil Service Code Under Scrutiny
At the heart of the backlash is the Civil Service Code, which requires neutrality, integrity, and honesty. While civil servants are allowed personal opinions, public expressions of admiration for political figures—especially former ones poised to profit from their public life—risk crossing a line.
“The line between commentary and campaigning is a thin one,” noted a former Whitehall adviser. “This kind of praise, so close to a high-profile book release, suggests poor judgment or worse—political bias.”
Public Reaction and Political Fallout
On social media and in Parliament, reactions have been swift and critical. Hashtags questioning civil service neutrality trended briefly, and several MPs are calling for an internal review of Rogers’ conduct.
Meanwhile, supporters of Sturgeon dismiss the criticism as politically motivated. “It’s a distraction,” one SNP figure said. “She’s earned respect. Let the man speak.”
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding this so-called neutral mandarin and Sturgeon’s £300,000 memoir reflects a broader anxiety about political impartiality in public institutions. At a time when trust in government is already fragile, even small missteps can set off major alarms. Whether the civil service will address this incident formally remains to be seen—but the damage to its image may already be done.
